Book Review: Secrets of a Summer Night (Wallflowers #1) by Lisa Kleypas

Secrets of a Summer Night
Wallflowers #1
By: Lisa Kleypas
Publisher: Avon Books
Add to: Goodreads
Source: Audible Purchase

Four young ladies at the side of the ballroom make a pact to help each other find husbands . . . no matter what it takes.

Proud and beautiful Annabelle Peyton could have her pick of suitors—if only she had a dowry. Her family is on the brink of disaster, and the only way Annabelle can save them is to marry a wealthy man. Unfortunately her most persistent admirer is the brash Simon Hunt, a handsome and ambitious entrepreneur who wants her as his mistress.

Annabelle is determined to resist Simon's wicked propositions, but she can't deny her attraction to the boldly seductive rogue, any more than he can resist the challenge she presents. As they try to outmaneuver each other, they find themselves surrendering to a love more powerful than they could have ever imagined. But fate may have other plans—and it will take all of Annabelle's courage to face a peril that could destroy everything she holds dear.

My Thoughts:

I've been listening to The Ravenels Series by Lisa Kleypas on Audible, and after reading both of the St. Vincents siblings love stories; Gabriel and Phoebe, I was excited to learn that their parents had their own love story, which is part of the Wallflowers series.  However, when I went to listen to their story, Devil in Spring, which is the third book in the series, I felt lost.  So I decided to begin the Wallflowers series with book one.  I would not recommend these books as standalones.  These books are best read in order.

First, I would like to mention that I prefer Mary Jane Wells, who is the narrator of The Ravenels Series.  She has a really pretty and soothing voice, and she is such an excellent narrator.  The narrator of the Wallflowers Series, Rosalyn Landor, does a really good job, but her voice comes across as more prim and proper, and mature sounding.

Secrets of a Summer Night introduces readers to four wallflowers; Annabelle, Lillian, Evie, and Daisy, who forge a strong friendship, and band together to help each other find a husband.  Annabelle has a striking beauty.  Unfortunately, she can't find a husband because she lacks a dowry.  Her family is destitute after losing her father to a heart attack.  Pressure  is placed on her to marry a wealthy man so that her spouse can support her mother and brother, along with Annabelle.

Annabelle meets Simon Hunt who is not of the same social standing as she is, because he is a butcher's son.  However, Simon has made a vast amount of wealth through hard work and intelligent investments.  When Simon and Annabelle meet, sparks fly, and there is no denying their sizzling chemistry.  Simon makes his interest in Annabelle well know, but she is determined to resist him...

I wasn't the biggest fan of either main character at the beginning of the story.  Annabelle came off as snobby.  I didn't like the way she was so quick to count Simon out, just because he wasn't part of the same social class as she was.  I'm glad to say that as the story developed, I grew to like Annabelle.  She underwent a lot of character growth, and became a better person after all of the trials and tribulations she went through.  I liked Simon's big heart, and loyalty, but something that turned me off about him was how pushy and aggressive he could be towards Annabelle.  I liked his protectiveness and how he didn't play games and went after what he wanted, but at times, he was just too much.

However, after Annabella and Simon spent more time together, and I got to see more layers to who they were, I grew to like them both.  Their love story had romance, tenderness, and sweet moments, and undeniable chemistry.

My favorite part of this story was the four girls friendship. They are all so unique, but their sisterhood is strong, loyal, fun, and admirable. I can't wait to read each of their stories, and see them all together, teasing each other, scheming, always loyal, and up to their ears in shenanigans!

Purchase At:

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About the Author:

LISA KLEYPAS is the RITA award-winning author of 21 novels. Her books are published in fourteen languages and are bestsellers all over the world. She lives in Washington State with her husband and two children.

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